Conservation Host Organizations (the following project list is updated regularly):

ANAI - Gandoca is a non-government and non-profit organization that has been working for the conservation and sustainable development of the Talamanca Region of Costa Rica since 1978. ANAI seeks to integrate conservation of the sea turtles and their eggs with sustainable development through the commitment and participation of the local community, in close collaboration with national and international volunteers and scientists. These projects will put into practice methods aimed at eliminating the destruction of sea turtle nests in Costa Rica and strengthening the processes that seek to stop the slaughter of nesting turtles.

Proyecto Carey is a research project focused on the conservation of endangered species of frugivores ("fruit eaters") in the Osa Península, Costa Rica, and their role in the regeneration of tree species through seed dispersal. The information gained will be used to help establish wildlife conservation priorities and strategies within the Osa Península, and to increase public awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy populations of spider monkeys and other frugivores in the area.

Kéköldi Indigenous Reserve hosts a research project focused on the conservation of natural resources in this Reservation located in Talamanca, Costa Rica. The project looks at the importance of different groups of birds and plants as indicators of ecosystem health and aims to develop alternative activities for the sustainable use of biodiversity. These are mainly through specialized ecotourism, volunteer participation and cooperation with researchers. By combining scientific research and community development, Kéköldi Project hopes to contribute to the sustainable development of the community while conserving the integrity of the Kéköldi Indigenous Reserve.

Ostional Sea Turtle Conservation. Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Ostional has long been known for the “arribadas” (mass nesting) of the Olive ridley turtles; however, more recently this site is also being considered as one of the most important Leatherback nesting beaches on the Pacific coastline of the Americas. Currently, ISV Costa Rica is working together with the Ministry of Environment, as well as with the community of Ostional to help conserve the Leatherback turtles that nest at Ostional through monitoring, research and protection of nests.

Wildlife Survey in Golfo Dulce. Surrounding by pristine tropical fiords, this is researching of the living marine and wildlife resources in Osa Peninsula implemented by Vida Marina Foundation.  The present project on the determination of habitat use of indicator species in land and marine habitats such rainforest frogs and spotted dolphins, will constitute an important asset to the understanding of the ecological dynamic of Osa’s ecosystems. This project will provide a head start towards achieving a comprehensive baseline in the development of management strategies for the area.

San San Pond Sak (Sea Turtle & Manatees Conservation Program, Panama) Located on the Caribbean coast of Panama, immerse in lush greenery and surrounded by pristine water mirrors, this non-governmental, non-profit organization has been devoted since 2005 in the protection of sea turtles and manatees with the support of Panamanian and international researchers and foundations. The populations of manatees on this wetlands are the largest in all Central America and you’ll be monitoring them while paddling a canoe during the days, and also will be patrolling the beach at night in search of nesting turtles and their eggs.

Please note: Projects are available on specific dates only. Hence, depending on each participant’s assigned departure date, only certain projects will be available. Participants are asked to please be flexible in their project preferences; these are ALL great projects in amazing locations with significant conservation and educational value.

Project Locations: